Grants

The Abell Foundation awards grants to nonprofit community partners working to improve the quality of life in Baltimore. We provide seed funding for innovative pilots, support for ongoing community programs and services, and funding for capital projects. In addition to providing grant funding, the Foundation supports our nonprofit partners through connection to our local and national networks, as well as our team’s deep experience in and knowledge of Baltimore as it relates to our program areas.

Learn More About Our Process

Submit an Application

Considering Applying?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Ready to Apply for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

See Our Past Grants

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$80,000 / 2011 / Education
For continued support of the Educational Stability Project designed to increase outcomes for Baltimore City public school students suffering disruption due to homelessness, and for those awaiting foster care placements. In collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools, the project includes hiring a director of homeless services; appointing a primary homeless services contact in each school to be trained to work with homeless students; monitoring test scores, attendance, graduation rates, and mobility; and evaluating compliance and student outcomes.

The Piney Woods School

$63,600 / 2011 / Education
To provide five scholarships for students from Baltimore City for the 2011-2012 school year, and for the salary of a Retention Counselor. The counselor provides a range of services including monitoring class attendance and participation, overseeing study halls and dormitory behavior, and acting as a liaison and advocate for students and their families.

Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

$35,000 / 2011 / Education
For support of the Music Teacher Mentoring Program for first- and second-year elementary and middle school teachers in Baltimore City public schools for the 2011-2012 school year. Special attention is given on a one-to-one basis to lesson planning, delivery of lessons, teaching of rhythm, tone, instrument care, and classroom management strategies.

New Leaders for New Schools

$150,000 / 2011 / Education
For support of the New Leaders Baltimore program to place nine outstanding school principals in Baltimore City public schools for the 2011-2012 school year, and to recruit, train, and place an additional 13 by June 2012. After five weeks of coursework at the Summer Foundations Institute and a one-year full-time residency as an assistant principal alongside a mentoring principal, the New Leader is then placed as a principal in a Baltimore City public school. During the first year, the New Leader receives professional development, coaching, and support. In return, he or she makes a commitment to serve in the city public schools for six years.

National Council on Teacher Quality

$22,500 / 2011 / Education
For support of the National Education School Study of 20 teacher-education schools in Maryland. Each school will be rated based on standards used in their teacher training programs, such as selectivity of the admissions process, how well candidates are prepared to teach reading, classroom management training, and the quality of student teaching.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.